Friday, August 26, 2011

Reflections on Ramadan


The corresponding video can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nE7YueCKSeM

8/26/2011 10:42 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: logs in on 8/26/2011 10:42 am (et).
8/26/2011 10:42 am (et) Moderator: logs in on 8/26/2011 10:42 am (et).
8/26/2011 10:49 am (et) Susan: private message to Moderator: logs in on 8/26/2011 10:49 am (et).
8/26/2011 10:56 am (et) Christa: private message to Moderator: logs in on 8/26/2011 10:56 am (et).
8/26/2011 10:57 am (et) Josef: private message to Moderator: logs in on 8/26/2011 10:57 am (et).
8/26/2011 11:00 am (et) Moderator: Welcome! This is Rebecca from the InterFaith Conference (IFC) and I will be your moderator. As this is still new, let me explain how this will work. On the right, you will see a video playing of our current topic to get the conversation going. If you have a comment and/or question send it along to me, the moderator. As long as I deem it appropriate, the comment will be posted to everyone and the speaker will have the opportunity to answer your question.
8/26/2011 11:00 am (et) Moderator: Today, our topic is ‘Reflections on Ramadan.’ The reflection is from Ms. Farhanahz Ellis, the Interfaith and Outreach Director for the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS).
8/26/2011 11:01 am (et) Laura S: private message to Moderator: logs in on 8/26/2011 11:01 am (et).
8/26/2011 11:01 am (et) Moderator: As always, I would like to remind you of the rules of our engagement. This is a respectful place where we come together to learn more about the religions of the world. Whether you agree or disagree, we welcome your comments and questions that are posed in a respectful manner. Please no profane or offensive remarks, they will not be posted. Also, this is a place of learning, so please refrain from ‘soapboxing.’ If there are any issues or questions about this, they can be submitted along with the comments pertaining to our topic. I am here to make this a pleasant and educational experience for all, so enjoy and remember there are no stupid questions, just hostile ones!
8/26/2011 11:01 am (et) Moderator: You can now view the beginning comments on the right. As you listen, please feel free to start sending questions or comments (YES, we want your comments). Also, the video will remain within the sidebar, so feel free to return to it as you wish. Our chat window automatically refreshes to keep the flow going, but if you wish to view the whole of the conversation, just hit the archive button. And lastly, PLEASE do not use double quotes as it leads to some issues.
8/26/2011 11:09 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: You mention that other traditions fast, do you find that the spirituality you gain through observing Ramadan can act as a bridge with other traditions?
8/26/2011 11:10 am (et) Moderator: Christa said: What is the significance of light? Why does the fast last from sunrise to sunset?
8/26/2011 11:10 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Indeed, it is. If done properly the benefits of observing Ramadan should last all year long. And it translates to the relations with other faiths
8/26/2011 11:12 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: In my understanding of this practice, light is the parameter used to unify the way the observances are followed regardless of the location of the person.
8/26/2011 11:12 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: Do you find that it is a topic you can bond over? Do you find other traditions that look for or experience the same benefits in fasting?
8/26/2011 11:13 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: From what I've heard, most Muslims - even those who are not otherwise 'religious' - observe Ramadan. Would you equate this to the 'Christmas-Easter' only Christians or Jews who only go to synagogue for the High Holidays?
8/26/2011 11:13 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: The practice of fasting in every tradition goes to bring us closer to G-d, so, yes, it is very easy to bond over this.
8/26/2011 11:14 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: In addition to all the virtues and values represented by Ramadana, it also seems to be a major communal time for Muslims - communal gatherings to break the fast (daily and for Eid), and simply communal in the sense that countless Muslims around the world are doing this at this time.
8/26/2011 11:14 am (et) Hengist: private message to Moderator: logs in on 8/26/2011 11:14 am (et).
8/26/2011 11:15 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Each person practices at the level that makes them comfortable. And the fact that they keep the fast tells me that there is a bond between them and their faith.
8/26/2011 11:15 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: What was your experience when you started fasting as a kid? Did you have a 'test drive' of fasting before doing it full force? How many years of 'test drive'? was this a gradual increase of the 'test' until it was complete fast?
8/26/2011 11:16 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Ah Laura S. very observant lady! Yes, you got it; it is a very communal event in a very communal faith
8/26/2011 11:17 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Sadly, I have no experience of my own with fasting as a kid. I'm a convert/revert. So I started fasting late in life.
8/26/2011 11:17 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: Do you find that community a hindrance or a help when reaching out? I mean, it could be somewhat insular I imagine
8/26/2011 11:18 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: For Susan, could you please elaborate a wee more?
8/26/2011 11:19 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: Well, just that a community can either encourage people to reach out or it can encourage being somewhat detached
8/26/2011 11:19 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: staying only within the group, in the comfort zone
8/26/2011 11:19 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: and you just dove right into it full force? I have a student this semester who says he is fasting for Ramadan even though he is not a Muslim. He has many Muslim friends and has been fasting with them for several years.
8/26/2011 11:19 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: That's interesting Laura, why do you think your student does that?
8/26/2011 11:20 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: And how does that resonate with you Farhanahz?
8/26/2011 11:20 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: For Susan, it could be challenging; but I love to take all in as part of my "spiritual boot camp".
8/26/2011 11:20 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: to support his friends? for identify with them?
8/26/2011 11:20 am (et) Moderator: Josef said: Do you know of any scholars or schools of thought that connect Ramadan to living lightly on this earth / protecting the environment?
8/26/2011 11:21 am (et) Moderator: Hengist said: Re: Susan's question, people could be joined within their community to those who fast in the same way, but also to the larger community of people who fast in different ways, often for similar purposes.
8/26/2011 11:21 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Laura S: Yes, my first ramadan came a week after I converted. But I have had Muslim friends for a long time, so it was not difficult.
8/26/2011 11:22 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Actually, the whole of Islam Scholarship goes to care for the earth and everything it houses.
8/26/2011 11:22 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: Hmm, I mean I am sure they receive some type of spiritual benefit from joining their friends, but I find it interesting that a non-Muslim would turn to Islam to find some spirituality
8/26/2011 11:23 am (et) Moderator: Hengist said: In our fast, we also refrain from eating or drinking between sunrise and sunset, and I had friends who, not fasting, not of my belief, but, from friendship, would awake before dawn and join me for breakfast.
8/26/2011 11:23 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Susan, I have a couple of friends (non-Muslims) that fast during Ramadan as a diet! Funny isn't it?
8/26/2011 11:24 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: That must be pretty effective, haha
8/26/2011 11:24 am (et) Moderator: Christa said: I feel that these people are really in tune with the community aspect of the practice and want that in their lives regardless of religious beliefs
8/26/2011 11:25 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: Farhanahz, Do you think the way Muslims these days (in Muslim lands) go crazy after dark for all night (party, gorge, etc) kind of negates the values of the daytime fast?
8/26/2011 11:25 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: I think so Christa. We human beings sometimes do things without fully understanding what the results could be. But this do not dimish the benefits we can receive from those actions.
8/26/2011 11:25 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Laura S- YYYYYYEEEESSS
8/26/2011 11:26 am (et) Hengist: private message to Moderator: logs off on 8/26/2011 11:26 am (et).
8/26/2011 11:26 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: What is the point of bringing spirituality in during the day, to push it out the door during the night. The fasting is a spiritual exercise, not a type of torture!
8/26/2011 11:27 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: Farhanahz, you work in interfaith, is there special outreach during this time, besides the interfaith iftar you mention
8/26/2011 11:28 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: Although I imagine al the charity work is also a great way to connect with people of other faiths
8/26/2011 11:28 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Susan, yes, there is. We work with other faith communities and religious organizations doing acts of charity to those in need.
8/26/2011 11:28 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: Farhanahz, you mentioned being a convert to Islam. How long ago was that and could you share a bit as to why you decided to convert? (I am always interested in peoples' stories of conversion)
8/26/2011 11:29 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Laura, thanks for asking. I became a Muslim on Sunday, February 6th, 1994 at 2:13pm.
8/26/2011 11:29 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Good memory huh?
8/26/2011 11:30 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: That's like remembering your day and time of birth. I suppose it is like a rebirth
8/26/2011 11:30 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: But it must have been gradual and long in coming to that point (gestation)
8/26/2011 11:30 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: I was born and raised a Catholic. (Shout-out to my Catholic possee). After "test driving" different faiths, I found that Islam is the one that works for me.
8/26/2011 11:31 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: what was it about Islam that stood out more than the other faiths you explored?
8/26/2011 11:31 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Laura S, yes it was gradual. It took me 15 years to get to the conversion day, LOL
8/26/2011 11:31 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: WHat is the interfaith iftar like? I don't think I have ever been to one, but I know in Seders, where there is a set ritual they take time to explain a lot of the rituals
8/26/2011 11:32 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: I found Islam more in tune with my personality and my spirituality. Perhaps we can elaborate more about it over coffee?
8/26/2011 11:33 am (et) Moderator: Josef said: Has anyone in this chatroom made their Hajj, or plan on making it soon?
8/26/2011 11:34 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Susan, we do not have a very elaborate ritual for the breaking of the fast as there is in a Seder. By the way, ADAMS holds a Passover Seder every year, if you provide me with your contact info, I can see that you get invited next year.
8/26/2011 11:34 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: Why would a Muslim mosque hold a Passover seder?
8/26/2011 11:36 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: Jews fast for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, does Ramadan have any of the same connotations of atonement?
8/26/2011 11:36 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: In Islam we are called to commemorate the liberation of our Jewish Brs and Srs from Pharaoh with the fast of Ashura. Joining them in a Seder is not far from it.
8/26/2011 11:37 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: I (as a non-Muslim) went to an Iftar a few years ago. The Dar al Nor mosque in Prince William county held an interfaith programe earlier in the afternoon and then invited anyone to stay for Iftar. I think I was the only non-Muslim who did stay.
8/26/2011 11:37 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: I wouldn't dare to make a comment on it Susan, as I'm not knowledgeable on what the Yom Kippur fasting encompases. But atonement must be a big part of the life of a Muslim, not just during Ramadan.
8/26/2011 11:38 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: What did you think of it Laura S?
8/26/2011 11:38 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: well it would certainly make an interesting dialogue, just looking at the different ideas of fasting in traditions
8/26/2011 11:39 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: Yom Kippur fast is just one day but a full 25 hours straight. I wonder which method of fasting is harder - 25 hours straight but just one day or 30 days but where you get to break the fast after dark
8/26/2011 11:39 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: In my book, 25 hours straight wins, LOL
8/26/2011 11:40 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: But Ramadan in August must rough...
8/26/2011 11:40 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Got to admit, I haven't been able to fast this year for health reasons.
8/26/2011 11:41 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: The Iftar was interesting, First there were MANY Muslims there. Men downstairs, women upstairs. I shared dates with them and then observed while they prayed the sundown prayer, then the meal was served. I only had a chance to chat with one older women who was next to me but many of the others there made me feel welcome simply by including me in sharing food and sitting with them.
8/26/2011 11:41 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: 25 hours 'wins' meaning it is harder or easier?
8/26/2011 11:42 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: H A R D E R !
8/26/2011 11:43 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: But I can just imagine how rewarding my Jewish siblings feel it is once is finished!
8/26/2011 11:43 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: then, at the end of Yom Kippur fast, there is the same sort of communial gathering - family (and friends) gather to break the fast with a traditionally dairy only meal
8/26/2011 11:44 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: I guess it is similar to the Catholic Paschal fats
8/26/2011 11:45 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: It is only an hour, but we are expected to take part in Communion after that as well
8/26/2011 11:45 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Yes, Susan, in a sense it is
8/26/2011 11:45 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: But most of the waking hours of Yom Kippur are spent in pray in synagogue. Unlike Ramadan where Muslims go about their daily life while fasting
8/26/2011 11:46 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: In Islam we believe that our reason for being is worshiping G-d, therefore everything we do, if done correctly, is an act of worship.
8/26/2011 11:46 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: I know that fast is meant to prepare us in a way, to center ourselves before taking part in Mass, do you find Ramadan similar?
8/26/2011 11:47 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: Although I guess I could make the leap from what you just said, Ramadan is a preparation for the year and the year is meant to be worship as Mass is...
8/26/2011 11:47 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: Maybe?
8/26/2011 11:47 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: As a preparation for an upcoming event? Yes, I do
8/26/2011 11:48 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: I don't mean to equate the two, but it is much easier to get a handle on it when I can compare with what I know
8/26/2011 11:48 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: In a sense, perhaps we can say Ramadan is preparation (renewal time) for the coming year as sabbath is renewal for the coming week
8/26/2011 11:48 am (et) Moderator: Josef said: I spent last Ramadan in Istanbul, and it seemed that many Muslims were not practicing the fast. Has this been a trend for Muslims in other secular nations? I also have friends here in the US that stopped practicing Ramdan in college. Do the five pillars of Islam appear in a specific sura or extracted from parts of the Qur'an and hadiths? Do you forsee traditions changing as significantly as they have with other religions?
8/26/2011 11:49 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Oh, dear! Susan, I did not think you were. LOL
8/26/2011 11:49 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Got it Laura!
8/26/2011 11:49 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: Ok, I just wanted to make sure, I would hate to be misunderstood in that sense
8/26/2011 11:51 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: I know Catholicism has definitely changed its fasting requirements over the years, I mean there are still traditionalists who fight the shortening of the Paschal fast from Vatican II, but the Church would say that nothing substantial has changed, would the practice of Ramadan be able to change without losing its substance?
8/26/2011 11:52 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Josef, in my personal experience, Ramadan is the one practice that Muslims in non-Muslim countries treasure the most.
8/26/2011 11:53 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: Farhanahz, do you find it difficult to remember to stop what you are doing throughout the day to stop and pray at the specified times? I recently starting having to take eye drops four times a day and have a hard time remebering the stop and use them the two midday uses.
8/26/2011 11:53 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Ah Susan, if you allow me, I won't go there. Otherwise my next family reunion will be a shouting match between my "secular" "traditionalist" and "who know what" Catholic relatives, LOL
8/26/2011 11:54 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: Hmmm, maybe another way to phrase it...do you find the substance of Ramadan to be in the fast? Or is it another part of the month?
8/26/2011 11:54 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Laura, I work at a Mosque, so that makes it easier. But the truth is that I learned to plan my day around the prayer times, so that makes all the difference.
8/26/2011 11:56 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: I find it interesting that I am able to compare my experience with medication to the Muslim experience of prayer times. (people on HIV drugs use a watch alarm to remember - do Muslims tend to do this to remember when it's time for prayer?)
8/26/2011 11:57 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: I had a friend in college who had an app for that!
8/26/2011 11:57 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Susan, my view on the substance of Ramadan is the finetuning of your life for the rest of the year.
8/26/2011 11:57 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Some do, some just look at the sky for the clues
8/26/2011 11:58 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Some even write it in their agendas
8/26/2011 11:58 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: That's interesting because I can definitely see comparisons with other traditions there. It seems almost everyone has a time to reflect on life and bring it more in tune with beliefs
8/26/2011 11:58 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: sort of what the High Holy Days are for Jews
8/26/2011 11:59 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: You got it Laura!
8/26/2011 11:59 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Laura, are you a Jew?
8/26/2011 11:59 am (et) Moderator: Hi Everyone, it is about time to wrap up. I hope you have enjoyed the chat, but please finish any remaining thoughts.
8/26/2011 11:59 am (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Because I see that it comes easy for you to find the similarities
8/26/2011 12:00 pm (et) Moderator: Laura S said: I was raised Jewish but I have spent more years of my life as a student of comparative religion
8/26/2011 12:00 pm (et) Moderator: Thank you for your participation today. Our chats will again be moving time slots as classes begin again. The new slot will be Thursdays from 1-2:00 PM EST. There will be no chat next week due to the Labor Day holiday, but we will resume on Thursday 9/8 with a discussion of interfaith commemorations of 9/11. Also, keep your eye on our website, www.ifcmw.org, for a tentative chat schedule for the next few months.
8/26/2011 12:00 pm (et) Moderator: Also, this is a new effort on our part so we welcome your feedback! Any comments will be helpful. If you have any suggestion please feel free to email me at rebeccac@ifcmw.org.
8/26/2011 12:00 pm (et) Moderator: This moderated chat room is just one example of the many programs which the InterFaith Conference is doing. If you are able and willing to financially support the InterFaith Conference’s vital year-round work, please donate now using the donate button on our website – www.ifcmw.org. You can also find out more about us and sign up for our bi-monthly newsletter.
8/26/2011 12:01 pm (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Thanks everyone! Have a great day
8/26/2011 12:01 pm (et) Moderator: Ramadan Mubarak
8/26/2011 12:01 pm (et) Moderator: Josef said: Thank you!
8/26/2011 12:01 pm (et) Farhanahz Ellis: Ramadan Kareem to every one 

Friday, August 19, 2011

The Future of Interreligious Dialogue

The corresponding video can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfeWy2pMq4k

8/19/2011 10:45 am (et) Virginia: private message to Moderator: logs in on 8/19/2011 10:45 am (et).
8/19/2011 10:45 am (et) Moderator: logs in on 8/19/2011 10:45 am (et).
8/19/2011 10:46 am (et) Mary: private message to Moderator: logs in on 8/19/2011 10:46 am (et).
8/19/2011 10:53 am (et) Jessica: private message to Moderator: logs in on 8/19/2011 10:53 am (et).
8/19/2011 10:57 am (et) Kevin Siegel: private message to Moderator: logs in on 8/19/2011 10:57 am (et).
8/19/2011 10:57 am (et) Sampson: private message to Moderator: logs in on 8/19/2011 10:57 am (et).
8/19/2011 10:58 am (et) Susan: private message to Moderator: logs in on 8/19/2011 10:58 am (et).
8/19/2011 11:00 am (et) Moderator: Welcome! This is Rebecca from the InterFaith Conference (IFC) and I will be your moderator. As this is still new, let me explain how this will work. On the right, you will see a video playing of our current topic to get the conversation going. If you have a comment and/or question send it along to me, the moderator. As long as I deem it appropriate, the comment will be posted to everyone and the speaker will have the opportunity to answer your question.
8/19/2011 11:00 am (et) Moderator: Today, our topic is ‘The Future of Interreligious Dialogue.’ We will be featuring a reflection from Rev. Clark Lobenstine, Executive Director of IFC.
8/19/2011 11:00 am (et) Moderator: As always, I would like to remind you of the rules of our engagement. This is a respectful place where we come together to learn more about the religions of the world. Whether you agree or disagree, we welcome your comments and questions that are posed in a respectful manner. Please no profane or offensive remarks, they will not be posted. Also, this is a place of learning, so please refrain from ‘soapboxing.’ If there are any issues or questions about this, they can be submitted along with the comments pertaining to our topic. I am here to make this a pleasant and educational experience for all, so enjoy and remember there are no stupid questions, just hostile ones!
8/19/2011 11:01 am (et) Moderator: You can now view the beginning comments on the right. As you listen, please feel free to start sending questions or comments (YES, we want your comments). Also, the video will remain within the sidebar, so feel free to return to it as you wish. Our chat window automatically refreshes to keep the flow going, but if you wish to view the whole of the conversation, just hit the archive button. And lastly, PLEASE do not use double quotes as it led to some issues.
8/19/2011 11:03 am (et) SteveSawmelle: private message to Moderator: logs in on 8/19/2011 11:03 am (et).
8/19/2011 11:07 am (et) Clark Lobenstine: logs in on 8/19/2011 11:07 am (et).
8/19/2011 11:07 am (et) hussong: private message to Moderator: logs in on 8/19/2011 11:07 am (et).
8/19/2011 11:08 am (et) Moderator: SteveSawmelle said: Hi Clark, could you share with us what the IFC may be doing, or planning to do, to counter the growing Islamophobia in America - especially as we approach the 10th anniversary of 9/11? Thanks.
8/19/2011 11:09 am (et) Clark Lobenstine: Thanks, Steve, for participating today. Our work to combat Islamophobia is a year-round effort, not just one for the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
8/19/2011 11:10 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: Is this growth of Islamaphobia putting dialogue with Islam more at the forefront?
8/19/2011 11:10 am (et) Moderator: Jessica said: I love the idea of interfaith dialogue. However, many christians I know feel it compromises the message of the gospel because instead of being open and receptive to learning about other’s beliefs, we should be trying to convince them of our own..because of the inherent need for salvation. Any ideas on how we can work past trying to pressure others to take on our beliefs, and simply have open discussion for the purpose of understanding eachother more?
8/19/2011 11:10 am (et) Clark Lobenstine: But we are co-sponsors of the 9/11 Unity Walk which certainly takes on special significance on this 10th anniversary. We are participating in quite a few iftars during the month of Ramadan and sometimes I am the only person present who is not a Muslim.
8/19/2011 11:12 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: Jessica, I used to believe that those who wished only to evangelize were sorely mistaken but in the end I realized it is because those people truly care about me, but I think it is important to press them on accepting the same expectation from my side.
8/19/2011 11:13 am (et) Clark Lobenstine: There is quite a divide not only within Christianity but other religious traditions as well between those who feel that sharing their own faith is all that matters (whether for salvation or because one's religion is the best one or the only one or ... and those who believe and experience that their faith is deepened by the dialogue process. Clearly I am in the latter group and those involved in IFC tend to be i n the latter group.
8/19/2011 11:14 am (et) Moderator: Jessica said: For sure, interfaith dialogue can help remove some of the boundaries people have with other religions.
8/19/2011 11:14 am (et) Clark Lobenstine: There are definitely different ways of sharing one's faith and those differences can make a huge difference in how one's sharing is received by the person or persons with whom one is sharing.
8/19/2011 11:14 am (et) Virginia: private message to Moderator: logs off on 8/19/2011 11:14 am (et).
8/19/2011 11:14 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: Do find it is harder or easier to talk about religion today?
8/19/2011 11:15 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: In the video it seems more necessary...
8/19/2011 11:16 am (et) Clark Lobenstine: A Catholic priest in a predominantly Muslim country spoke about not only feeling called to his own prayers each time, five times a day, that he heard the Islamic Call to Prayer, but also that he shared his faith when people asked him why he did what he did in their community, not otherwise.
8/19/2011 11:16 am (et) Moderator: hussong said: I think the people who still think about salvation in their 'interfaith' work are more moderate and those that can see past it are more progressively leaning.
8/19/2011 11:16 am (et) Moderator: Jessica said: .I think one of the biggest obstacles towards interfaith dialogue, are being posed by those with no faith. They seem very much against organized religion in our country (not sure about others)...do you feel atheists have a place in interfaith dialogue..to acheive a greater harmony and understanding ..peace evenamong all groups of thought and belief?
8/19/2011 11:17 am (et) Clark Lobenstine: Another colleague who lived in the Middle East. He is a Christian but because of the terrible memories of so many in his audiences of the Crusades, he never began a speech without apologizing for the Crusades.
8/19/2011 11:19 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: Well in today's world it seems so much more conceivable to interact with the same people as your colleague Clark. Does that make a difference? I mean do we have to expect to apologize for the Crusades as well for instance?
8/19/2011 11:20 am (et) Moderator: Kevin Siegel said: I believe it is an unfair generalization to consider atheists an obstacle towards dialogue. Just as there are religious people who are opposed to dialogue, so too are there atheists who stear clear of any engagement with organized religion or who actively oppose it. But, there are certainly people of no faith/atheists/agnostics who are deeply interested in the study of religion and in engaging religious communities.
8/19/2011 11:20 am (et) Clark Lobenstine: I think atheists, like persons I know of diverse faiths, can be very open to persons of faith or very close-minded, believing all people of faith are wrong or misguided or ... Dialogue with the first group is important and can be relatively easy, especially if we as believers make clear we respect the position of those with whom we speak/
8/19/2011 11:20 am (et) Clark Lobenstine: and want to understand what makes them 'tick'
8/19/2011 11:21 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: Kevin, I would have to agree, I think there is just a strong perception of the dichotomy between science and religion, which only seems to be growing as our technological advances grow.
8/19/2011 11:21 am (et) Clark Lobenstine: a really helpful model was shared by a person who started out describing persons of different political persuasions but his model could be applied to persons within a faith tradition or different people between faith traditions.
8/19/2011 11:21 am (et) Moderator: Jessica said: True Kevin...perhaps I'm drawing my conclusions from what I hear mostly from the media. It's not right..but it goes to show how much the media effects our perceptions of groups.
8/19/2011 11:23 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: I think the different kinds of media speak to it as well. I mean, nowadays everyone has the ooportunity to get their opinion out there on blogs, but most of the time its only the extremists who take to the internet
8/19/2011 11:23 am (et) Clark Lobenstine: Dr. Rokeach noted that we not only have to evaluate people on a horizontal axis, which we often do --that person is very conservative or very liberal or moderate or ... We also have to evaluate how they hold their views, said Dr. Rokeach, on a vertical scale. Do they hold their views in an open-handed, open hearted way or in a narrow minded , close fisted way.
8/19/2011 11:23 am (et) Moderator: hussong said: Jessica I think the best bet is to see the positivity atheists have in interfaith dialogue. Whereas you of your religious background will still lean toward that in your openness.. atheists can actually look at things from a 100% phenomenological approach.
8/19/2011 11:23 am (et) Moderator: Jessica said: Media can both help and hurt dialogue and understanding. It can either reinforce stereotypes by just showing the negative, or promote peace and healing by discussing the positive and what's possible.
8/19/2011 11:24 am (et) Moderator: hussong said: You'd be surprised how many people in academia don't believe in God but are theologians by profession.
8/19/2011 11:24 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: It is certainly true that a dialogue such as this could not take place if it were not for the technology
8/19/2011 11:24 am (et) Laura S: private message to Moderator: logs in on 8/19/2011 11:24 am (et).
8/19/2011 11:25 am (et) Clark Lobenstine: Hussong, in your experience are the professors who are theologians by profession but do not believe in God, open about their stance?
8/19/2011 11:26 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: Do you think that dialogues will take more to the internet?
8/19/2011 11:27 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: when I teach my students, I remain vague about my religious views and identify
8/19/2011 11:28 am (et) Clark Lobenstine: The internet is certainly one place for interfaith dialogues. The water-cooler in the office, the neighborhood gatherings, perhaps discussions within a home, are certainly other places for that dialogue. A big advantage of face to face dialogues is that you can build a relationship with that person that is on-going and likely to be strengthened by one's continued contact and interaction.
8/19/2011 11:28 am (et) Moderator: SteveSawmelle said: Hussong, you have reminded me of my great fondness for the writings of Erich Fromm, who was a humanist (and atheist) and one of the most spirtual people I have ever encountered in my readings. Yet, I maintain that he came from the Judeo-Christian-Muslim tradition, with all the enormously important AND common values that those traditions taught and teach.
8/19/2011 11:28 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: I don't want them to fell pressured to say what they think I want to hear or will agree with
8/19/2011 11:28 am (et) Moderator: Jessica said: Laura...I think that's a good approach. It allows students to think for themselves and not be swayed by someone who they might perceive as a mentor.
8/19/2011 11:29 am (et) Moderator: hussong said: It's not that they openly profess their beliefs, but you can just tell who is and who is not religious.
8/19/2011 11:29 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: Some professors are better at that than others...
8/19/2011 11:30 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: My students typically want to know at the start and I tell them 'let's come back to that at the end of the semester'
8/19/2011 11:30 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: At the end, I have them guess, based on having gotten to know me over the course of several months of interaction
8/19/2011 11:32 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: I recall, in dialogue years ago, a young woman who was very vague about her religion for several months. Once she was comfortable with us, she revealed that she was Unification Church. Having gotten to know her as a person first, after several months we did not apply possible stereotypes or prejudices against her for being part of a group that many consider to be a cult
8/19/2011 11:32 am (et) Clark Lobenstine: The media can certainly reinforce our stereotypes, especially negative ones, but they can also be very helpful. for example, a story about Ramadan and the iftar fast-breaking at sun-down may well enable me to ask someone at work or who lives next door or ... about what Ramadan means to them and whether or not they are fasting. Its important not to assume that the person speaking to you is being observant, unless you know he or she is.
8/19/2011 11:32 am (et) Moderator: Sampson said: What do you think the best way to get young people involved with interfaith dialogue would be?
8/19/2011 11:32 am (et) Moderator: Mary said: Clark, what would you say will be/should be the role of technology (such as the internet) in inter-religious dialogue?
8/19/2011 11:33 am (et) Moderator: Kevin Siegel said: I think what Hussong is getting at is that many professors allow their personal beliefs to color the material they teach. In my experience, professors try very hard to make sure they are respectful and do not disparage people of faith. But, at the end of the day, it's pretty easy to decipher their personal attitude.
8/19/2011 11:33 am (et) Clark Lobenstine: I think young people may already be involved in interfaith dialogue.
8/19/2011 11:34 am (et) Clark Lobenstine: I find many young people are more open to persons of other faith traditions than us older folks and that reflects in part the fact that they have grown up with more diversity.
8/19/2011 11:35 am (et) Moderator: Since the internet has come up, I would like to share a link to the Berkley Center at Georgetown which published a report on the topic a little over a year ago.
8/19/2011 11:35 am (et) Clark Lobenstine: On the other hand, one's religious beliefs or questions or lack of belief is often 'off the table' in the interactions they have with their friends which is a shame in my opinion.
8/19/2011 11:35 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: many of my young college students have friends of different religions (Muslim, or others) but they do not seem to dialogue with them or relate to them in terms of religion - neither exploring similarities nor getting familiar with the differences. for them, religion seems to be a non-issue in their relationships
8/19/2011 11:36 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: Even they don't dialogue explicitly though, there is some interaction on that level. I remember once being told that even the theological dialogues are more about getting to know the person across the table and not the tradition
8/19/2011 11:36 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: I force my students to have interfaith experiences by making them do a field research assignment of visiting and talking with people of a religion they are unfamilar with
8/19/2011 11:37 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: My hope is that this one time activity will jump start them to be more open to future interfaith dialogue and activity
8/19/2011 11:37 am (et) adambriddell: private message to Moderator: logs in on 8/19/2011 11:37 am (et).
8/19/2011 11:38 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: I'm not sure though, I feel as if most people are leaning away from more explicit dialogue. And not that it is a bad thing, but it seems to be a different approach
8/19/2011 11:38 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: many of my students are hesitant about the field research at first but after the fact are very grateful that I 'made' them do it!
8/19/2011 11:39 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: Then again, there does seem to be an influx of students interested in this specifically, look at the growth of the IFYC
8/19/2011 11:39 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: And many schools have interfaith groups to deal with issues
8/19/2011 11:40 am (et) Clark Lobenstine: And groups like the Interfaith Youth Corps (IFYC) that Susan just referred to are a sign of hope for me.
8/19/2011 11:41 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: IFYC utilizes Facebook and Twitter and the like, does this create a divide I guess between the 'old timers' and the young people?
8/19/2011 11:42 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: Not to mention what does everyone think the pros and cons of using those medias?
8/19/2011 11:42 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: Susan, might I invite my college students to join the IFYC Facebook and Twitter groups as one option for connecting with other young people of various religions? How would they join? What is the URL?
8/19/2011 11:43 am (et) Clark Lobenstine: It can create the divide in my experience, Susan. It can also force us 'old timers' to start using Facebook and Twitter or to work with those who are using them!
8/19/2011 11:43 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: I think the easiest way would be to direct them to IFYC website where they list all their account to join.
8/19/2011 11:45 am (et) Moderator: I would also suggest that if you are in the area Laura, to direct your students to the IFCMW website, where they can be involved both in person and online. The link is www.ifcmw.org
8/19/2011 11:45 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: back in the mid 90s when I first went into online discussion forums I found is much easier to find and connect with like minded (and not so like minded) people interested in discussing religion
8/19/2011 11:45 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: you can look for listserves or forums based on interests rather than the random face-to-face connections made in the limited region in which one lives
8/19/2011 11:45 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: Do you ever find echo chambers then Laura?
8/19/2011 11:47 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: online you can connect with people world wide, in vastly different cultures, from vastly different backgrounds. Especially for people who live in more rural, less diverse regions, connections online are that much more valuable for diversity of experience
8/19/2011 11:47 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: I find the main reason for doing things like this would be to be challenged in my beliefs, but many times you get in groups with people all saying the same thing
8/19/2011 11:48 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: well, if you want to be challenged and debate issues, you can easily seek out and get active in online groups with greater diversity.
8/19/2011 11:48 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: What about conencting with people? Dialogue like this takes some trust, can you establish those relationships with online only friends?
8/19/2011 11:49 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: if your interest is in discussing religion, there are all sorts of people interested in such discussions, people from diverse religions as well as perspectives on the issues
8/19/2011 11:50 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: my experience in the mid 90s proved to be more instense personal connections with people on line than I'd ever had with people face to face
8/19/2011 11:50 am (et) Clark Lobenstine: We just held our fourth annual Amazing Faiths Dinner Dialogues. Gathering people of diverse faiths in someone's home and utilizing excellent prepared questions is a wonderful way to open the door to personal relationships among persons of different faiths.
8/19/2011 11:51 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: Is dialogue going to take place more at the grassroots level in the future Clark?
8/19/2011 11:51 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: And in that case what would the discussions be based on?
8/19/2011 11:52 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: There seem to be more issues that people can coalesce around
8/19/2011 11:52 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: the online connections can be less threatening than face-to-face connetions. Especially valuable when discussing touching subjects like religion
8/19/2011 11:52 am (et) Clark Lobenstine: Naturally, people are very different. Some want the personal interaction. Some prefer the on-line interaction that to me is often less personal. Some people want the face to face interactions to take place in 'safe' settings. Others may be more adventuresome. So we seek in the InterFaith Conference to provide a variety of opportunities for connecting with persons of different faiths, races and cultures.
8/19/2011 11:52 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: I guess there is also the anonymity factor, which can be good and bad, Laura
8/19/2011 11:54 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: I had one student this past summer who ended up doing her field research by visiting a virtual Hindu temple in Second Life
8/19/2011 11:54 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: Virtual temple?
8/19/2011 11:54 am (et) Clark Lobenstine: Because the Amazing Faiths Dinner Dialogues took place in different parts of this metropolitan area, one might well describe them as 'grassroots' dialogues, Susan.
8/19/2011 11:54 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: However, I did not accept that substitute for the 'real thing' for full credit. But it was at least an effort made
8/19/2011 11:56 am (et) Moderator: Susan said: I don't think I have ever heard of a virtual temple before. Do they function in the same way? That seems like a broad way to frame the question, but I'm not sure how else to do so.
8/19/2011 11:57 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: interestingly, this student said that it was her husband who did not want her to do this field research assignment. He refused to watch the kids while she wnet. Point being, other key people in our lives might put a damper on such potential interfaith exposure
8/19/2011 11:57 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: virtual simply means an online version
8/19/2011 11:57 am (et) Moderator: Hey everyone, we're going to wrap up in just a couple of minutes, so please finish any ongoing thoughts
8/19/2011 11:57 am (et) Clark Lobenstine: Our 32nd annual InterFaith Concert, on the other hand, is an experience of our unity and diversity for a thousand or more people. It will be held on Tuesday evening, Novem. 15th from 7:30-9:00 pm in the main sanctuary of Washington National Cathedral (mass. and Wisconsin Avenues, NW). That is a very different kind of interfaith dialogue experience than the Amazing Faiths Dinner Dialogues.
8/19/2011 11:58 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: in second life, people build graphic structures like CGI in the movies and then an avatar (online virutal image) of themselves can wander around the artificial online environment that users have created
8/19/2011 11:59 am (et) Moderator: Laura S said: but there are REAL people behind the scenes that one would be communicating with, just as one would be communicating with real people on line in chat (like we are here)
8/19/2011 12:00 pm (et) Moderator: Susan said: Wow, that is a ittle unexpected though when it comes to worship, I wouldn't have thought of it
8/19/2011 12:00 pm (et) Clark Lobenstine: I think the issue of other people not wanting us to explore other faiths, as Laura just raised, is a potential issue for some marital counselling! Why was her husband opposed to this? Why would he not watch the kids while she went to a 'real' temple?
8/19/2011 12:00 pm (et) Moderator: Laura S said: google 'religion in second life' and see what comes up
8/19/2011 12:01 pm (et) Moderator: Laura S said: and why was this woman being so submissive to her husband? 8/19/2011 12:01 pm (et) Moderator: Laura S said: But that's not my business to criticize or quesiton her on
8/19/2011 12:01 pm (et) Moderator: Thank you for your participation today. If you would like to reach our speaker please contact me at rebeccac@ifcmw.org. Next week we will be discussing ‘Views from the Outside,’ featuring me, Rebecca Cohen, IFC intern.
8/19/2011 12:01 pm (et) Moderator: Also, this is a new effort on our part so we welcome your feedback! Any comments will be helpful. If you have any suggestion please feel free to email me at rebeccac@ifcmw.org.
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